Hygge: A New Meditation

Hygge, pronounced (heu-gah), is a Danish word that is the art of building sanctuary and community, of inviting closeness and paying attention to what makes us feel open hearted and alive. Hygge is what I would like to call the yoga of the design world. It is good for the mind and soul. Sitting in that rustic modern style living room that you worked so hard to create is a good example. Some have said that sitting in a nature-like setting can have very positive effects on a person’s mood.

​It is all about living in the present and appreciating what is in front of and around you. Typically, in a room like this, you would not have any television or electronics other than a lamp. Blankets, pillows, a fireplace and a window to look outside would be ideal. This doesn’t always have to be inside either. A nice area on an outside porch works well for this. Nature, itself, participates in a lot of people’s hygge.


A common misconception about hygge is that it is about yourself. In fact, it is the complete opposite. A lot of times this art is experienced with other people. It is about appreciating what is outside of ourselves. This could be friends, nature, family or all the above. Including a round table in your room creates a space that puts everyone on the same level and of equal power when sitting together because there is no head of the table. By doing this you can enjoy a “no pressure” environment and appreciate what’s around you.


In design, everything that is made or created for hygge is used as a supporting factor in the overall mindset, but is not a part of the actual art. It is about how you feel. Making yourself as comfortable as possible is, in my opinion, the only way you can do this. When you are thinking of how uncomfortable you are or something in the room has you distracted or energized then there is not a way to sit back, relax, and appreciate your surroundings.